Voter information session in Coolbaugh Township

Maybe the new voter identification law stands up in court. Maybe it doesn't. But Monroe County officials aren't taking any chances.

MICHAEL SADOWSKI

Maybe the new voter identification law stands up in court. Maybe it doesn't. But Monroe County officials aren't taking any chances.

The League of Women Voters of Monroe County and the Coolbaugh Township Community Partnership will hold an informational meeting Saturday, with voting officials on hand to discuss the changes in the law.

The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pocono Farms East Community Center at 3170 Hamlet Drive in Tobyhanna.

"We wanted to make sure people up here on the mountain had this kind of opportunity to know what they'll need to vote, to be able to register to vote and to get all the information they need," said Robert Zito, president of the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors and general manager at Pocono Farms East. "There seems to be a lot of controversy and misconception about this law, and we want to make sure it's clear."

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court sent the law back to a lower court for re-consideration. A decision on whether to impose a temporary injunction against the law for this November's election is expected next week.

The law requires every eligible voter in the state to present some form of a valid photo identification card.

State officials say the law will cut down on voter fraud. Opponents believe the law is a direct shot at groups of people more likely not to have a valid photo ID — senior citizens, minorities and those less fortunate.

Whatever the intention, the law is, for now, in place and Pennsylvania citizens will need a picture ID to vote on Nov. 6. That means if locals want to help decide a fierce presidential race, they need that picture ID.

Part of Saturday's session will be to inform local residents how they can obtain an ID if they don't have one already.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has provided a way for people without a driver's license or other photo ID to get one that will allow them to vote.

Zito said Coolbaugh Township traditionally doesn't "get the voter turnout that we should" as the most populous municipality in Monroe County, according to the 2010 Census.

"Except every four years," Zito said about each presidential election. "So we thought it would be a good idea to get this information out to the public."